NORFOLK, VA--The ODU Baseball Monarchs (12-10/4-5) exploded for 10 runs in the eighth to defeat Towson, 13-4 and split the doubleheader. The Tigers (13-9/5-4) won the opener, 9-1.

Towson led 4-3 going into ODU's home half of the eighth when the Monarchs scored 10 runs thanks to a two-run double by junior designated hitter Ben Slaton (Magnolia, MS.), a two-run single by sophomore Josh Eldridge (Lorton, VA.) and a two-run inside the park homer by junior outfielder Ben Verlander (Maidens, VA.).

Verlander had two hits in that inning and five on the day in six at-bats. The junior outfielder went 8-for-10 on the day and now has a CAA best eight homers to go along with his .470 batting average.

ODU also added a run in the sixth on freshman catcher's Ben Slaton and Eldridge had two hits each.
In all, ODU pounded out 16 hits in the nightcap.

In the opening game, Towson's Brandon Gonella (2-1) held ODU to four hits through seven innings with no walks issued and eight strikeouts. Relievers Nick Cioffi and Kyle Paul pitched the final two shutout innings allowing one hit each.

Towson centerfielder Kurt Wertz led the Tigers with four RBI and first baseman Brendan Butler knocked in three runs, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

ODU's lone run came in the bottom of the fourth when Josh Eldridge hit a solo homer to right field for his third of the season. Verlander had three of the Monarchs six hits in the opener.